New England winters can be quite challenging for me. As fall approaches, I prepare myself for months filled with cold, dark days. I long for the warmth and brightness of summer. Although I still make an effort to be outdoors, by January, I often start to feel confined and restless. The holiday season tends to add to my stress as well. While I don’t want to predict that this winter will be unbearable due to the pandemic, I am conscious of the heightened feelings of anxiety, depression, and apprehension that this season can bring, especially for many others like me.
Seasonal Affective Disorder affects about 10 million Americans annually, often accompanied by significant depression and addiction. Given these challenges, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential for struggle as we prepare to spend more time indoors while facing a surge in COVID-19 cases. However, with awareness comes the opportunity for planning and taking proactive steps to preserve our mental health during this trying winter.
To maintain my well-being, I’ve increased my vitamin D intake, am considering reintroducing CBD to my routine, and will continue my daily exercise to help manage stress and elevate my mood. Many friends have recommended therapy light lamps and sunshine bulbs, so I’m looking into their costs. Despite my initial reluctance, I plan to get outside for a walk or run each day. Some friends are committed to daily movement and have invested in fire pits or ceramic heaters to enjoy the outdoors even when it’s chilly. Others find solace in home improvement projects, meditation apps, and twinkling lights to lift their spirits.
While these plans focus primarily on my own needs, I realize that this self-centeredness could contribute to the very feelings I’m trying to overcome. In “The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want,” psychology professor Sonja Lyubomirsky emphasizes that directing our attention away from ourselves and toward others can foster greater happiness.
To counteract this, psychologists recommend developing a sense of self that connects to the wider world. A key aspect of happiness is social connectivity—something that can be particularly hard to achieve during a pandemic that limits physical interactions with loved ones. An extensive 80-year study highlighted that the bedrock of happiness lies in our relationships. As social beings, our mental and physical health deteriorates when we feel isolated.
For instance, Mia from Connecticut shared, “At the end of last winter, I jumped into a new direct sales venture. Attending virtual meetings and connecting with new people has introduced me to an online community I didn’t have before.” Similarly, Lucas, also in Connecticut, mentioned, “We’ve decided to have candid discussions with a ‘bubble’ family—another household we’ll allow into ours. This arrangement offers us the chance for playdates for our kids and some much-needed adult conversations, which are vital for my peace of mind.”
Others find that acts of kindness and volunteering help keep them from spiraling into negative thoughts. I need to remind myself how uplifting it can be to help others when I’m feeling down. Research supports this; studies indicate that performing kind acts can increase levels of endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin, all of which improve our mood. Additionally, engaging in volunteer work fosters essential social connections, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. Committing to regular acts of service also gives us a sense of purpose, enhancing our feeling of connectedness in the world.
Another effective approach to maintaining our focus on self-care without getting too inward is to seek inspiration or find moments of awe in our daily lives. According to Dr. Dacher Keltner from UC Berkeley, experiencing awe can lead to numerous benefits, including a broader perception of time and increased feelings of generosity and well-being.
Feeling part of something greater can profoundly impact our mood. Engaging with art, music, nature, or even simply gazing at the sky can evoke this sense of awe. While winter can be harsh, a snowshoe trek through fresh powder on a sunny day can be a soul-nourishing experience. It’s vital to step back and gain perspective as we navigate our days, sometimes realizing that we are not the center of the universe.
These concepts may seem abstract, but when combined with actionable plans for enhancing our happiness, we can survive the difficult winter months. By shifting our focus away from our own dark thoughts, we can discover pockets of light.
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In summary, while the winter months can be challenging, especially during a pandemic, taking proactive steps towards self-care, maintaining social connections, and finding inspiration can significantly enhance our well-being.
Keyphrase: Coping with winter during COVID
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